Golf swing training aid apparatus

ABSTRACT

A golf swing training apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a clamp attached to an end thereof, which is adapted to be removably attached to the shaft of a golf club so that the training apparatus shaft and the golf club shaft are disposed in spaced apart parallel relation. The training apparatus elongated shaft has first and second shafts slidably disposed for telescopic length adjustment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to golfing devices. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a golf swing training aidapparatus.

It is well-known for golfers to use swing trainers for aids to developconsistency, strength, flexibility and club-head speed. Typically, suchaids are in the form of adding additional weight to the golf club orproviding a substituted weighted golf club which is intended fortraining and strengthening, but not for hitting balls.

There exist donut weights which are inserted over the shaft of the golfclub so as to rest on the club head. The golfer then swings his or herclub and the weight increases the golfer's flexibility, strength andclub head speed. However, such donuts and the like have variousdisadvantages. For example, the donut can slide along the shaft whileswinging, creating a changing center of gravity and creating an out ofbalance club which is awkward. Moreover, the donut can damage the clubby scratching the shaft or damaging the club head to shaft connection asthe weight is typically disposed at the end of the club.

It is possible to weight existing golf clubs by attaching metal tape,inserting sand or lead pellets into the shaft, etc. However, thisrenders the club useless as an actual golf club, and instead convertsthe club to a training aid. Moreover, in order to have a driver swingaid as well as an iron swing aid requires the conversion of twodifferent clubs. Furthermore, most golfers are not inclined to take thetime and effort to convert old golf clubs in this manner.

A weighted golf club referred to by the trademark Momentus™ iswell-known in the golfing industry. The Momentus™ is a speciallydesigned golf club which is heavier than a normal golf club. Whileperforming adequately well as a golf club training and strengtheningaid, it also has various drawbacks. A golfer must purchase threedifferent training clubs, i.e., a driver, an iron and a putter at a costof approximately $100.00 each. The training clubs are offered only in asingle length which is slightly shorter than a standard club, so as toswing above the ground a few inches. However, this does not accommodategolfers of various sizes. Moreover, an even shorter training club isoffered for indoor use.

There are instances when only the front arm (in the case of aright-handed golfer, the left arm) is desired to be trained andstrengthened. For example, a golfer may injure this arm. Moreover, thisfront arm is the arm which provides the strength and power to the swing,the trailing arm merely holding the club so as to assist in directingthe club and also to maintain the balance of the golfer. However, usingsuch clubs as the Momentus™ training aid or even a single modified golfclub renders it very awkward to train a single arm. The other arm isleft to hang or flap unnaturally as the golfer swings back and forthwith the leading arm.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a golf club swing trainingaid which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The presentinvention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a golf swing training aid apparatuswhich is usable with an existing golf club, whether the golf club be a“wood”, “iron” or “putter”. The golf swing training aid apparatus of thepresent invention is designed to accommodate golfers of different sizesand strengths, while enabling the golfer to use both arms in a naturalmanner.

The apparatus of the present invention generally comprises an elongatedshaft having a clamp attached to an end thereof. The clamp is adapted tobe removably attached to a shaft of a golf club such that the shaft ofthe training aid and golf club shaft are disposed and spaced apart inparallel relation to one another.

Typically, the elongated training aid shaft includes a grip at an endthereof opposite the clamp. Preferably, the elongated shaft isadjustable in length. For example, the elongated shaft may comprise atelescopic shaft having a first shaft slidably disposed within a secondshaft. Means are provided for locking the first and second shaftsrelative to one another, such as a spring loaded pin extendable from thefirst shaft through an aperture of the second shaft.

The clamp, in a particularly preferred embodiment, comprises a blockhaving first and second jaws adapted to securely grasp and lock onto thegolf club shaft. Typically, one jaw is formed integrally with or fixedto the block, while the other jaw is selectively movable toward and awayfrom the other jaw. The movable jaw is operably connected to a manuallever adapted to selectively move the first jaw toward and away from thesecond jaw. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and secondjaws include protective inserts so as not to damage the golf club shaft.

The block may be weighted, or includes weights removably attachablethereto. For example, the block may include apertures configured toremovably receive weights therein.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a golf swing training aidapparatus, attached to a golf club in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a block of the training aid, with aclamp thereof in a closed and locked position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating theclamp in an unlocked and open position.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG.2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5-5 of FIG.3.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the block of thepresent invention incorporating a vertical pin and weight to selectivelymodify the weight of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of another block of the presentinvention, illustrating the use of weighted screws, in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partially fragmented and exploded perspective view of yetanother block illustrating yet another manner of selectively modifyingthe weight of the training aid apparatus.

FIG. 9 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG. 1, showinganother golf swing training aid apparatus embodying the presentinvention connected to a golf club.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of area “1 0” of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partially fragmented perspective view of the training aidapparatus of FIGS. 9 and 10, in an open position.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 11, but illustrating thetraining aid apparatus in a closed position.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the training aid apparatus of FIG.12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 14-14 ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 15-15 ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the telescoping shaft shownin FIG. 9.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 17-17 ofFIG. 16, illustrating a spring pin stop used in adjusting the length ofthe telescoping shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration, thepresent invention resides in a golf club swinging aid apparatus,generally referred to by the reference number 10 in FIGS. 1-8 and by thereference number 68 in FIGS. 9-15. The apparatus 10, 68 is attachable toa shaft 12 of an existing golf club 14. Thus, the golfer can attach theapparatus 10 or 68 of the present invention to any existing golf club 14owned by the golfer without having to purchase several swing trainingaids. As will be more fully discussed herein, the apparatus 10 of thepresent invention also enables the golfer to train and strengthen onearm, while swinging the other arm in a natural manner.

With reference to FIG. 1, the training aid apparatus 10 of the presentinvention is illustrated as attached to a driver or “wood” golf club 14.As is well-known in the art, golf clubs typically include a shaft 12comprised of metal or composite materials. The length of the shaft 12depends upon the skill and height of the golfer and varies betweengolfers. At one end of the shaft 12 is disposed a club head 16. At theopposite end of the shaft 12 is a handle 18, typically in the form of aleather or synthetic grip.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the training aid apparatus 10 ofthe present invention is comprised of an attachment block 20 attachableto the shaft 12 of the user's golf club 14. An elongated training aidhandle or shaft 22 extends upwardly from the block 20 in spaced-apartrelation with respect to the shaft 12 and grip 18 of the golf club 14.Preferably, the training aid apparatus 10 also includes a grip 24,typically leather or synthetic material or other grip material known inthe golf industry. In a particularly preferred embodiment, as will bedescribed more fully herein, the shaft 22 is adjustable in length so asto accommodate golfers of different heights.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-5, the attachment block 20 includes aclamp 26 for removably attaching the training aid apparatus 10 to theshaft 12 of the user's golf club 14. In a particularly preferredembodiment, as illustrated, the clamp 26 includes a fixed jaw 28 whichis formed with the block 20, and a slidable jaw 30 which is selectivelymovable toward and away from the fixed jaw 28. In this manner, shafts 12of different diameter can be accommodated. Preferably, protectiveinserts 32 and 34 line the inside of the jaws 28 and 30 so as not toscratch, mar or otherwise damage the surface of the golf club shaft 12.In the event that such inserts 32 and 34 are comprised of elastomericmaterial, they can also facilitate the gripping of the golf club shaft12 by the clamp 26.

The slidable jaw 30 can be moved into a locked position using any knownmeans. In a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the inneror slidable jaw 30 is connected to a rod 36 that slides within apassageway 38 of the attachment block.

The slidable jaw 30 can be moved toward and away from the fixed jaw 28by any well-known means. For example, a cam lever 40 operably attachedto the end of rod 36 may be pivoted upwardly to slide jaw 30 toward jaw28, and downwardly to move the jaw 30 away from the jaw 28. The end ofthe cam lever 40 adjacent to the housing 20 can include an irregular orcam surface so as to effectuate the movement of the rod 36 as such.Alternatively or in addition thereto, a compression spring (not shown)can be disposed within passageway 38 so as to surround rod 36 and biasthe jaw 28 toward the fixed jaw 28. The cam lever 40 would then be usedto pull the rod 36 toward the end of the housing toward the cam lever 40and away from jaw 28 in order to release the golf club shaft 12. Ofcourse, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that othermanual means of slidably moving jaw 30 toward and away from jaw 28 arefeasible and contemplated by the present invention. In fact, the jaws 28and 30 may both be movable, or another clamping arrangement provided.The important aspect of the present invention is that the golf clubshaft 12 can be removably received by the training aid apparatus 10 suchthat the elongated shaft 22 of the apparatus 10 and the golf club shaft12 are spaced apart from one another in a generally parallelrelationship so that the golfer's hands can grasp both grip 18 of thegolf club 14 and the grip 24 of the training aid apparatus 10 and make aswinging motion.

The attachment block 20 is of sufficient length so as to create a spacebetween the grips 18 and 24 of the golf club 14 and the training aidapparatus 10 such that a golfer can grasp each grip 18 and 24comfortably. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment block 20 alsoincludes an aperture 42 which is designed to receive the end of theelongated shaft 22 of the training aid apparatus 10. A set screw 44 orthe like may be used to removably insert the shaft 22, such that shaftsof different lengths can be accommodated by the training aid apparatus10 to accommodate golfers of different heights. Alternatively, as willbe more fully discussed herein, the shaft 22 is adjustable in length,such as being telescopic in nature so as to accommodate golfers ofdifferent heights.

With reference now to FIG. 6, the training aid apparatus 10 of thepresent invention is further capable of having a modifiable weight, soas to serve to increase the strength and swing speed of the golfer. Inone embodiment of the present invention, an aperture 46 is formed in theattachment block 20, which is designed to receive a pin 48. One or morering weights 50 accept the pin 48 therethrough. A head 52 of the pin 48is of enlarged diameter so as to contact the upper surface of theuppermost ring weight 50. The pin 48 may be threadedly received withinthe attachment block 20 or, as illustrated, a thumb screw 54 or the likeis extended through the block 20 and into contact with the pin 48 tohold the pin 48 in place. The amount of weight of the apparatus 10 ismodified by adding additional ring weights 50, or ring weights 50 ofincreasing weight substituted for those of lesser weight.

With reference now to FIG. 7, yet another attachment block 20′ isillustrated which is similar to that described above, with the exceptionthat internally threaded aperture 56 is formed in the block 20′.Externally threaded bolts 58 and 60 can be threadedly inserted into theaperture 56 so as to supply weight to the block 20′. The weight can bealtered by removing a bolt 58 or 60 and substituting a bolt of greateror lesser weight. The bolt may be comprised of different materials, oran upper unthreaded portion of the bolt can be enlarged so as to supplyadditional weight thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 7. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the upper ends of the bolts58 and 60 can include beveled edges to facilitate manual insertion orinsertion by a wrench or the like, or include a socket so as to bethreaded into the block 20′ by a screwdriver or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 8, yet another block 20″ is illustrated. Inthis embodiment, a series of slots are formed in the block 20″. Weights64, such as the illustrated ring weight, are selectively inserted intothe slot 62. A pin 66 or the like is inserted through an aperture 68 ofthe block 20″ and through the aligned apertures of the one or moreweights 64 so as to retain them in place within the block 20″. Weights64 can be added or removed as necessary in order to increase or lessenthe weight of the apparatus 10.

In use, the golfer's golf club 14 is attached to the apparatus 10 byinserting the golf club shaft 12 into the clamp 26 of the training aidapparatus 10 and moving jaw 28 toward jaw 30 and into a closed andlocking position around the shaft 12. Typically, the attachment block 20is attached to the golf club shaft 12 at a level wherein the grips 18and 24 of the training aid apparatus 10 and golf club 14 are generallyaligned with one another. However, it will be realized that the trainingaid apparatus 10 can be positioned along any length of the golf clubshaft 12 as desired. Weight is added to or removed from the block20-20″, as discussed above. The golfer then grasps each grip 18 and 24and swings the golf club 14 and training aid apparatus 10. The trainingaid apparatus 10 of the present invention improves the flexibility inthe golfer's arms, shoulders and back. The weighted apparatus 10 alsoprovides strength training for the golfer's hands, arms, shoulders andback—the important muscles of the golf swing. Increasing the club weightalso aids the golfer in improving his club head speed, which can improvethe distance the ball is hit with a regular golf club. As the golfer isable to swing both arms, balance and feel of the golf swing is mimicked.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-15, another training aid apparatus 68embodying the present invention is illustrated. The general purpose andfunction of this apparatus 68 is similar to that illustrated anddescribed above, namely, providing a golf swing training aid attachableto a golf club 14. Although a “wood” golf club 14 is illustrated in FIG.9, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the golf club 14 couldalternatively be an iron or event a putter. The training aid apparatus68 includes an elongated shaft 70, which is preferably adjustable inlength, as will be more fully described herein. One end of the shaft 70includes a handle in the form of a grip 72, such as leather wrap ortraditional golf grip. An attachment block 74 defining a clampingmechanism is attached to the other end of the shaft 70.

With reference now to FIGS. 16 and 17, although the shafts 22 and 70illustrated and described above may be removably attached to theattachment blocks 20 and 74, respectively, such that shafts of differentlengths to accommodate different golfers can be provided, in aparticularly preferred embodiment, the shaft 70 is adjustable in length.In a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and17, the shaft 70 is of a telescopic nature. That is, a first shaft 76having a first diameter is slidably received into a second shaft 78 of alarger internal diameter, as illustrated. A guide 80 may be disposed atthe end of the second shaft 78 for facilitating the insertion andslidable movement of the first shaft 76 with respect to the second shaft78. A depressible button or pin 82 extends through an aperture of thefirst shaft 76. The pin 82 is biased outwardly by a spring 84 disposedwithin the first shaft 76. The second shaft includes a plurality ofspaced apart apertures 86 sized to receive the pin 82 therethrough whenaligned with the depressed pin 82. This locks the first shaft 76relative to the second shaft 78. In order to adjust the length, the usermanually pushes the pin 82 into the first shaft 76, and slides the firstand second shafts 76 and 78 relative to one another until the desiredlength is achieved. The pin 82 then extends outwardly through a selectedaperture of the second shaft 78 so as to lock the first and secondshafts 76 and 78 relative to one another. Of course, it will beappreciated that other means of providing a shaft of adjustable lengthwhich can be selectively locked in place are also contemplated by thepresent invention.

With reference again now to FIGS. 9-15, the clamp 74 includes a block 88attached to the shaft 70 and defining a first fixed jaw 90. A second jaw92 is slidably movable relative to the first jaw 90 so as to clamp orlock a golf club shaft 12, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

A manual lever 94 is operably connected to the slidable jaw 92 such thatas it is actuated, the jaw 92 moves toward and away the fixed jaw 90.More particularly, a pin 96 extends through the block 88 and the firstjaw 92. The manual lever 94 is rotatably attached to an end of the pin96 adjacent to a surface of the jaw 92. The end of the lever 98 adjacentto the slidable jaw 92 includes a beveled or cam exterior surface whichengages with the jaw 92 as the lever 94 is pivoted so as to slide thejaw 92 either toward or away from the fixed jaw 90 of block 88, asillustrated. More particularly, as the lever 94 is lifted upwardly, thecam surface 98 engaged the jaw 90 to and causes it to move away fromfixed jaw 90, so as to permit a golf club shaft 12 to be inserted orremoved between the jaws 90 and 92, as illustrated in FIG. 14. However,as the lever 94 is moved downwardly, or toward block 88, the cam surface98 engages the jaw 92 and causes it to slide toward the fixed jaw 90, toclamp and lock into place a golf club shaft 12, as illustrated in FIG.15. An elongated aperture or slit 100 formed in the jaw 92 permits thismovement relative to pin 96. The jaw 92 may include an insert 102, orotherwise be machined at the location abutting the cam surface 98, so asto engage the cam surface 98 and facilitate the sliding movement.Moreover, the jaw 92 preferably includes guides 104 and 106 which extendover top and bottom edges of the block 88 and facilitate the slidingmovement of jaw 92.

Although two clamps 20 and 74 have been illustrated and described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theimportant aspect of the clamps 20 and 74 is the removable grasping ofthe golf club shaft 12 to the training aid apparatus 10 or 68 in such amanner that the golf club shaft 12 is spaced apart from and generallyparallel to the shafts 22 or 70 of the apparatus 10 or 68. Thus, clampsof varying configurations are contemplated by the present invention. Theimportant aspects of the present invention are that the golfer can graspthe grip 18 of the golf club 14 and the grip 24 or 72 of the apparatus10 or 68, and swing with both hands. The training aid apparatus 10 or 68may be so as to improve flexibility and strength in the golfer's hand,arms, shoulders and back. Of course, it will be realized by thoseskilled in the art that the increased weight also aids the golfer inimproving his or her club head speed, which can improve the distance theball is hit with a regular golf club.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

1. A golf swing training aid apparatus, comprising: an elongated shaft;and a clamp attached to an end of the elongated shaft and adapted to beremovably attached to a shaft of a golf club such that the elongatedshaft and golf club shaft are disposed in spaced apart and parallelrelation to one another.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theelongated shaft is adjustable in length.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the elongated shaft comprises a telescopic shaft.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the telescopic shaft comprises a firstshaft slidably disposed within a second shaft, and means for locking thefirst and second shafts relative to one another.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the locking means comprises a spring loaded pinextendable from the first shaft through an aperture of the second shaft.6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft includes a gripat an end opposite to the clamp.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe clamp comprises an attachment block having first and second jawsadapted to securely grasp the golf club shaft therebetween.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the first jaw is selectively movablerelative to the second jaw.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein thesecond jaw is formed integrally with or fixed to the attachment block.10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first jaw is operablyconnected to a manual lever adapted to selectively move the first jawtoward and away from the second jaw.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the first and second jaws include protective inserts.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 7, including weights removably attachable to theattachment block.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the attachmentblock includes apertures configured to removably receive the weightstherein.
 14. A golf swing training aid apparatus, comprising: anadjustable length shaft having a grip at one end thereof; and anattachment block at an end of the shaft generally opposite the grip andincluding first and second jaws adapted to removably lock onto a shaftof a golf club such that the adjustable length shaft and the golf clubshaft are disposed in spaced apart and parallel relation to one another.15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the adjustable length shaftcomprises a telescopic shaft including a first shaft slidably disposedwithin a second shaft, and means for locking the first and second shaftsrelative to one another.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein thelocking means comprises a spring loaded pin extendable from the firstshaft through an aperture of the second shaft.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the first jaw is selectively movable relative to thesecond jaw which is formed integrally with or fixed to the attachmentblock.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first jaw is operablyconnected to a manual lever adapted to selectively move the first jawtoward and away from the second jaw.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14,including weights removably attachable to the attachment block.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein the attachment block includes aperturesconfigured to removably receive the weights therein.